Shepherd’s Pie is the ultimate one-dish meal that combines protein, vegetables, and starch into a single, comforting casserole. It’s easy to make with everyday ingredients, budget-friendly, and perfect for feeding a crowd. You can customize it with different vegetables or proteins, and it stores and reheats beautifully—making it ideal for meal prep or leftovers.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Ground lamb or beef
Yellow onion
Carrots
Garlic (minced)
Frozen peas
Tomato paste
Worcestershire sauce
Beef broth
Fresh or dried thyme
Salt and pepper
All-purpose flour (optional, for thickening)
Russet or Yukon gold potatoes
Butter
Milk or cream
Egg yolk (optional, for a richer mashed potato topping)
Olive oil
Directions
Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
In a large skillet or sauté pan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onions and carrots; cook until softened.
Add garlic and cook for another minute.
Stir in the ground meat, breaking it up with a spoon, and cook until browned. Drain excess fat if needed.
Mix in tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, salt, and pepper. Cook for a few minutes.
Sprinkle with flour if using, stir, and then pour in the beef broth. Simmer until the mixture thickens slightly.
Stir in frozen peas and cook for another 2 minutes. Remove from heat.
Meanwhile, boil peeled and chopped potatoes in salted water until fork-tender. Drain and mash with butter, milk or cream, salt, and pepper. For a richer topping, mix in an egg yolk.
Spread the meat filling evenly in a baking dish. Top with mashed potatoes, smoothing with a spatula.
Use a fork to create ridges on top, which will brown nicely.
Bake for 20–25 minutes until golden and bubbly. Broil for 2–3 minutes at the end if a crispier top is desired.
Let rest for a few minutes before serving.
Servings and timing
This recipe serves 6 people. Prep time: 20 minutes Cook time: 30–35 minutes Total time: 50–55 minutes
Variations
Cottage Pie: Use ground beef instead of lamb for the more common version in the U.S.
Vegetarian version: Replace meat with lentils or mushrooms for a plant-based alternative.
Cheesy topping: Stir shredded cheddar into the mashed potatoes or sprinkle on top before baking.
Sweet potato topping: Swap regular mashed potatoes for mashed sweet potatoes for a slightly sweet twist.
Low-carb version: Use mashed cauliflower instead of potatoes.
Add corn: Some versions include a layer of corn with the peas and carrots for added sweetness.
Storage/Reheating
Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, bake in a 350°F oven until warmed through or microwave individual portions. Shepherd’s Pie also freezes well—wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
FAQs
What’s the difference between Shepherd’s Pie and Cottage Pie?
Shepherd’s Pie is traditionally made with ground lamb, while Cottage Pie uses ground beef. The rest of the ingredients are very similar.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, you can fully assemble it ahead of time and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Increase baking time slightly if cold from the fridge.
Can I freeze Shepherd’s Pie?
Absolutely. Freeze the assembled (unbaked or baked) pie for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge and reheat in the oven.
Do I have to use lamb?
No, you can use ground beef, turkey, chicken, or a plant-based alternative if preferred.
What potatoes are best for the topping?
Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes work well—they mash smoothly and hold their shape.
How do I get a golden topping?
Use a fork to create texture on the mashed potatoes and broil for a few minutes at the end of baking.
Can I use leftover mashed potatoes?
Yes, leftover mashed potatoes make this recipe even quicker to prepare.
Can I add cheese to the mashed potatoes?
Yes, mix in cheddar, parmesan, or your favorite cheese for extra richness and flavor.
Is this a good meal for kids?
Yes, it’s kid-friendly and a great way to sneak in some vegetables.
What sides go well with Shepherd’s Pie?
It’s a complete meal on its own, but you can serve it with a green salad, steamed green beans, or roasted Brussels sprouts.
Conclusion
Shepherd’s Pie is a warm, hearty dish that never goes out of style. With its rich, savory filling and creamy mashed potato topping, it’s the kind of comfort food that brings people together around the dinner table. Whether you stick with tradition or try one of the tasty variations, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite.
Shepherd’s Pie is a hearty and comforting casserole made with ground lamb or beef, mixed vegetables, and savory gravy, topped with creamy mashed potatoes and baked until golden and bubbling. It’s a classic one-dish meal perfect for family dinners.
Author:Catherine
Prep Time:20 minutes
Cook Time:30–35 minutes
Total Time:50–55 minutes
Yield:6 servings
Category:Main Dish
Method:Baking
Cuisine:British
Diet:Halal
Ingredients
1 lb ground lamb or beef
1 medium yellow onion, diced
2 medium carrots, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup frozen peas
2 tbsp tomato paste
1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
1/2 cup beef broth
1 tsp fresh thyme or 1/2 tsp dried thyme
Salt and pepper to taste
1 tbsp all-purpose flour (optional, for thickening)
2 lbs Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and chopped
4 tbsp butter
1/2 cup milk or cream
1 egg yolk (optional)
1 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add diced onions and carrots and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
Add garlic and cook for 1 more minute until fragrant.
Stir in ground meat and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon. Drain excess fat if necessary.
Add tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, salt, and pepper. Cook for 2–3 minutes.
If using, sprinkle flour over the mixture and stir to combine.
Pour in beef broth and simmer until slightly thickened, about 5 minutes.
Stir in frozen peas and cook for an additional 2 minutes. Remove from heat.
Meanwhile, boil potatoes in salted water until fork-tender, about 15–20 minutes. Drain and mash with butter, milk or cream, salt, and pepper. Add egg yolk if using and mix well.
Spread meat mixture evenly in a baking dish. Top with mashed potatoes, smoothing with a spatula. Use a fork to create ridges on top.
Bake for 20–25 minutes, until top is golden and filling is bubbling. Broil for 2–3 minutes for a crispier topping if desired.
Let rest for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
Use ground beef instead of lamb for a Cottage Pie variation.Add shredded cheese to mashed potatoes for extra richness.Mashed sweet potatoes or cauliflower can be used as a topping alternative.Letting the pie rest before serving helps it set and makes slicing easier.Great for meal prep—assemble ahead and bake later.
